Greece › Ferries › Naxos to Santorini Ferry
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
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Boarding the ferry to Santorini in Naxos. You can purchase tickets at the ferry port in Naxos but I prefer to book ferry tickets online.
Naxos to Santorini Ferries – My Tips
- FerryHopper.com is the most reliable site for booking tickets. It allows you to easily ticket prices and times.
- The sea between Naxos and Santorini can be rough. This stretch of open sea is prone to high winds (the Meltemi). If you are prone to seasickness, avoid the small high-speed catamarans and book the large Blue Star Ferry. It is much more stable (and cheaper).
- Ferry delays are common on this route. Most boats coming to Naxos originate in Piraeus, Rafina, or Mykonos and can accumulate delays by the time they reach Naxos in the afternoon. Use the Ferryhopper App to track your boat’s real-time location so you don’t wait at the port unnecessarily.
- Arriving in Santorini is chaotic. Unlike Naxos, the port in Santorini (Athinios) is small, crowded, and located at the bottom of a steep cliff. Taxis are difficult to find upon arrival. I highly recommend pre-booking a private transfer or hotel pickup. If desperate, use the Uber app to summon a ride.
- For sunset views, take a late afternoon Blue Star ferry (the only ones with open air decks). Approaching the Santorini caldera by boat as the sun goes down is a spectacular experience.
Naxos to Santorini Ferry Schedule
There are frequent daily connections from Naxos to Santorini, particularly from May through October. The first ferry typically departs Naxos around 10:30am, with the last vessel leaving late at night (often around 10:30pm or midnight in peak season). The journey duration depends entirely on the vessel type.
Blue Star Ferries are the best value and most comfortable option. They take approximately 2 hours. Tickets generally cost between €35 and €50. High-speed ferries (Seajets, Minoan Lines) are faster, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours, but are significantly more expensive (approx. €70 to €110). Note that high-speed ferries are more likely to be cancelled or delayed during very windy weather.
Departing from Naxos Port
The Naxos ferry port is located on the northern edge of Naxos Town (Chora), within walking distance of most town hotels and St. George Beach. If you are staying at the western beaches (Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka), the bus will drop you off directly at the port entrance. The actual waiting area on the pier is exposed, hot, and often crowded. Instead, wait at one of the many cafes or bakeries along the waterfront promenade (across the street from the pier) until you see your ferry approaching the harbor. There is a luggage storage office just outside the port entrance if you have time to kill before your departure.
Example Naxos to Santorini Schedule
Naxos-Santorini ferry schedule and prices on Ferryhopper.com.
Read More
- Greek Ferry Guide
- Santorini to Naxos Ferries
- Naxos to Athens Ferries
- Santorini Ferry Port Guide
- The Best Greek Islands
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